East Liverpool, Ohio sits along the Ohio River at the border of Pennsylvania and Ohio.

Credit Sky High Photography via City of East Liverpool.

Later in the program, fiber artist Tina Brewer of Homewood uses a renowned quilting technique to tell the story of her ancestors. Much of her award-winning art depicts the history of the Metal Passage.

And the petrochemical industry is promising economic development in many Rust Belt towns where it’s sorely needed. But residents are wary of the pollution a new chemical boom could bring.

In part one of a new series, The Allegheny Front’s Julie Grant takes a look at East Liverpool, Ohio as it tries to balance new development with addressing pollution created by facilities that have been there for decades.

The Confluence, where the news comes together, is 90.5 WESA’s daily news program. Tune in weekdays at 9 a.m. to hear newsmakers and innovators join veteran journalist Kevin Gavin, taking an in-depth look at stories important to the Pittsburgh region. Find more episodes of The Confluence here.

From tree and light displays to baked goods, music and shopping, the holiday season brings with it scores of Yuletide traditions in Pittsburgh.

For 57 years, they've included the Carnegie Trees display in the Carnegie Museum of Art’s Hall of Architecture. The museum's Women's Committee erects five colossal Colorado spruce trees every winter, curatuting each to a unique theme. This year, members looked to Carnegie International artist Karen Kilimnik to set the tone.

The assembly plant recently targeted by General Motors in Ohio's Mahoning Valley served as an economic lifeline for thousands of locals over the years. The announcement Tuesday effectively closes the Lordstown plant and six others next year as part of a larger campaign to restructure operations.